The Third Sword

It was now morning, or rather almost midday, and the gang was now seriously wondering what to do next.

Jaune had again tried to interrogate Talos on the Fall Maiden's identity and location, but the metallic champion was still adamant on not telling. So instead Aizen had asked Talos about the power he used to restrain Jin.

"Like I said to Malos," Talos said from the wall he was leaning against, "I charge some power into any part of my body before striking the enemy, then I can control their weight. I can make them lighter, or heavier."

"Interesting." Aizen looked intrigued, "Sadly we probably can't use it so easily again."

"Yeah." Talos sighed.

"What do you mean by that?" Yang questioned, "I mean…if we get Jin out of the picture then we can-"

"Do you think they'll just let it happen." Qrow butted in, having a non-alcoholic drink to avoid Kasandra's accusing look. "Talos and Dragunov took out their heavy hitter, you better assume that they won't let that happen again."

Yang clenched her fists at the mention of her traitor Blade. "If we could just hide Talos and get the guy by surprise again, we wouldn't need that bastard."

"Yang." Ruby let out with a sad look. Sure, what happened with Dragunov was bad, but Yang was talking about him like he was evil incarnate.

"I bet he's somewhere now raging at everything for fun." Yang then said as she glared at the mental image.

"Yang, Dragunov-" "No. I don't want to hear it." Yang interrupted Blake.

Nia shook her head at Yang's immediate dismissal. But she was more worried about something else. "Is Rex ever gonna come out?"

"I sure hope so," Jaune commented, "We should hear his input on any possible rescue attempt."

As if called, Rex finally came out. "Look who decided to grace us with his presence at last." Roc quipped before noticing a bag around Rex's shoulder. "What's with that?"

"…I'm going." Rex said quietly.

"Going?" Nia got out of her seat. "To where?"

"…I don't know…back to Argentum." Rex sighed out, "It's not like I can live on gramps anymore."

"What do you mean back to Argentum?" Nia all but demanded as she moved closer to the depressed looking boy, "What about Pyra? Do you even realize how desperate the situation is right now?"

"I know, okay…It's just-"

"Just what?!" Nia demanded again.

"…I'm done." Rex admitted, earning shocked looks out of all Remnans.

"Rex…What do you mean you're done?" Ruby asked, unable to believe what she was hearing.

"…When I became the Driver of the Aegis. Her Driver. I felt like I could do anything. But I just ended up hurting her…again and again." Rex explained as he began moving.

Only to be intercepted by Nia grabbing his shoulder and forcing the salvager boy to face her. "Oh for crying out loud, Rex! She got herself caught to save you!"

"I know! So what?"

Now that was more shocking to the gang. Especially to Jaune who got up from his table and stormed to Rex.

Next thing Rex knew he was grabbed by his lapels and pushed against a wall. "Are you serious?!" Jaune shouted at Rex. "She risked her life to save you and you're just gonna abandon her so easily?!"

"Jaune." Ren let out in concern.

"Milord." Joana followed it up in worry.

"You weren't there!" Rex yelled back, swatting Jaune's hands off of him. "Those guys were completely out of my league. It's hopeless. She'll be safer with those guys. They won't hurt her like I-Urgh!" Rex was interrupted by Jaune punching him square in the face, causing Rex to land into several barrels that fell due to the force the salvager was hit with.

"I can't believe you." Jaune said with a hateful look before storming outside.

"Milord!" Joana called out as she ran after her Driver.

"Nora…Why is Jaune angry?" Electra asked carefully.

"…I'm not sure." Nora admitted before turning to Ren.

"…I can only guess." Ren said, although he did have an idea.

Talos on the other hand let out a sigh. He had a very good guess on why Jaune acted like that. And to be honest, if Jaune hadn't punched Rex, then the metallic Flesh Eater would have.

"The kid had a point though," Qrow piped up, "I can't speak for those guys, but who knows what Salem would do to Pyra."

None of the Remnans dared to imagine what Salem would try to do to Pyra. Then Ruby turned to Oscar, "Oscar, is Ozpin there yet?"

"…No…he's still…I don't know…out?" Oscar wasn't even sure what to call Ozpin being unavailable. "I mean I can still feel him but…it's faint."

As the Ozpin problem was being addressed, Nia was still focusing on Rex who was rubbing his cheek as he got up. "It hurts doesn't it?" Nia said as she once again forced Rex to face her. "But that pain is nothing compared to what Pyra is feeling right now. She sacrificed herself for us. Not for her! For us!"

"I know, dammit!" Rex shouted back, "But what do you want me to do about it?! I couldn't even slow him down. Even the Artifice's attack was useless. Only Dragunov and Talos could do anything against him. Besides, the more I fight, the more Pyra gets hurt. She'll be better off without me by her side."

Rex didn't notice Brighid had gotten up and was walking towards Rex. And she looked angry when the salvager uttered the last part. With that, the Jewel of Mor Ardain walked to Rex who turned to face the taller woman just in time to get slapped across the face.

"Do you actually mean that?" Brighid asked sternly, "Do you not have the slightest clue how much it hurt Pyra to leave you?" The Jewel remembered eavesdropping on Pyra's conversation with Corrine back in Fonsett Village.

"With me here…he'll suffer even more, lose even more. So maybe…Maybe Rex is better off without me. Rex…and the whole world. They don't need me."

"Pyra thought you'd be better off if she was dead, did you know that?" Brighid said, "She…is planning to sacrifice herself to defeat them!" At that revelation, Rex's eyebrows raised higher in surprise. "You drove her to this, but here you are giving up. You said you would get Pyra to Elysium, didn't you? You'll eat your words just like that?"

Everyone from Remnant looked shocked and surprised to hear something like this. Although, Blake was distracted at the sound of a sniffle. Turning to the source, the cat faunus saw Yang letting out tears. Although the blonde brawler looked like she was trying to suppress them with very poor success.

"Now, now. Let's not fight amongst ourselves." Dromarch said as he was moving towards the situation, only for Mòrag to raise her hand.

"Let's give them a chance to work this out." As Mòrag said this, she turned towards Zeke who gave her a look before shrugging. Then the Special Inquisitor glanced at Qrow.

The veteran huntsman gave his own shrug.

"Nia and Brighid quite right." Piped up Poppi who was now walking to Rex with an annoyed look. "Rex definitely not acting like himself. Giving up after one loss? That not Rex Poppi know at all." Poppi pointed a finger at Rex for emphasis.

"But-" Rex's protest was interrupted when Poppi opened her whole hand, signaling Rex to be quiet.

Then Poppi clenched the hand into a fist and wound it up for a strike. "Now is not time of excuses!"

"Poppi!" Tora shouted out in concern, while everyone else began getting out of their seats at Poppi giving Rex a fully powered punch.

"Hey!" Wulfric also roared out.

Rex closed his eyes in preparation for the impact. Only to feel a light tap of a metallic knuckle against his head. "P-Poppi?" Rex said, daring to open his eyes to see the Artificial Blade looking sad.

"Poppi is hurt to see Rex like this," Poppi said, "Poppi and Masterpon are not real Blade and Driver."

"Friend Poppi," Penny sounded out sadly. Then the Artificial Driver felt Kos-Mos' hand on her shoulder.

"Poppi and Masterpon looked up to Rex lots. When Rex tries hard, Poppi and Masterpon try hard. Rex like bullseye we aim for. Without Rex we not know which way to go."

"So please…Rex cannot give up and stop here." Poppi said, sounding like she would be on the verge of tears.

"Poppi's right." Ruby said with a determined look, earning everyone's attention, "Rex…when I met you…I thought of you as the role model of what it means to be a Driver. We've also lost, but we didn't stop there. So Rex…Please don't stop here."

"…Ruby." Rex let out as he placed his hand over the X-shaped Core Crystal fragment Pyra had granted him.

As this happened, Pandoria walked in from outside to say something to Zeke. The Tantalese Driver stood up from his chair." Hey, Chum." Zeke said, earning Rex's attention. "My old man wants to see you, we should go."

"What would the King want with us?" Weiss questioned, she still had the frozen flower at the base of her braid.

"Well, it's not just our Chum, but he also had something to say to Oscar and Yang." Zeke replied, now causing the blonde and farmboy in question to perk up.

Yang had finally managed to stop her tears, but it was clear if you bothered to look that Yang had cried.

"Why us?" Yang asked, resisting a choke.

"Didn't say, but it could be important." Zeke replied.

"…We should go," Rex said with a slightly less depressed look, "It could be important."

The Alrestians let out a small smile at Rex sounding a little more like himself. Ruby also smiled a little, but then her face fell when her eyes drifted to Yang. It wasn't just Blake who noticed that Yang cried.

"…Should I fetch Jaune," Talos asked the gang.

"I believe he should be present for whatever his highness wishes to say," Otohime said simply.

"Alright then, meet you all at the palace," Talos said as he moved out. "But if I'm not there, you should hear him out. We can be filled in later."

Soon everyone else started moving too. Although Yang was slouching slowly.

"…Yang…are you okay?" Ruby asked in worry as they walked slightly behind the rest of the group.

"I'm fine, Ruby," Yang said, not looking at her sister

"Yang…don't lie to me," Ruby said in a slightly hurt tone.

Yang let out a weary sigh, "If I said I'm not. Will you stop asking me?"

"No." Ruby said with a determined look, "But I would do everything in my power to make you feel better."

"Ruby, I appreciate the thought. Really, I do. But this isn't something you can help with…No one can." At the last part, Yang looked away again.

Blake clenched her hands into fists as she heard that. It reminded her too much of herself when she ran. But she didn't know what to say to Yang that hasn't been said already. So for now, she could only wait and hope that Yang would be more receptive for help.

The gang had now reached the palace and had entered the throne room where Eulogimenos was waiting for them. Sitting in his throne.

The King of Tantal stood up. "Are you alright to be up and about?"

Rex looked a little surprised, but he soon realized what the King was asking, "Oh, yes. I'm all healed up."

"…My sincerest apologies. If I had not tried to destroy the Aegis, they never would have…"

"If you hadn't done anything, they would've come for Pyra and Mythra anyway," Rex said, "It's not your fault your majesty…It's…mine." The salvager looked down to the floor at the last part.

"…500 years ago this kingdom was rent in twain." Eulogimenos said, "Some followed Addam who sought to live among Blades and Titans as equals. Others opposed him, preferring to consider humans as the masters and Titans as our tools."

As this explanation happened certain looks of distaste appeared on everyone's faces, especially the Remnans. With the exception of Yang who was numb to this right now.

"When Addam returned to the ether, his rivals seized power. Leveraging the power of the Omega Fetter, they declared themselves the Tantalese royal dynasty."

"Claiming they were the hero's descendants," Rex said.

"Precisely," Eulogimenos confirmed, "My ancestors merely used the beloved hero's name in order to win over the people."

"…Thauron's journal mentioned that Addam had a pregnant wife," Yang said in monotone, "Maybe they had someone pretend to be her."

Eulogimenos looked surprised to hear that, but decided to stay in the course, "That is a possibiility, but the details aren't recorded. Regardless, before long we resolved to protect ourselves from meddlesome foreigners by descending deep into the Cloud Sea. Taking the dirty secret of our family's lineage with us. The Praetorium for their part did not protest. Can you guess why?"

"No." Rex spoke for everyone on that.

"They offered to stay silent in exchange for a certain resource," Eulogimenos explained, now frowning, "An annual tribute…comprising of fixed number of Core Chips."

"What?" Ruby let out first.

"Guys, why didn't you tell us where the Core Chips came from?" Weiss almost demanded.

"…The Core Chips were purchased from Indol and sold around the nations," Mòrag replied, "No one knew how they were made."

"As the Praetorium most likely wished," Eulogimenos said before turning towards one of the walls, "And now, there is something I wish to show you all." With that, a large section of the wall slid down, revealing five large tubes with blue energy coursing through it."

"What is that?" Nora asked with wide eyes.

"This is Genbu's ether flow. The Titan draws in the fabric of the Cloud Sea and uses it as a source of energy." Eulogimenos explained, "This energy flows throughout the Titan's body in the form of ether. Refining and crystalizing this ether creates Core Chips."

"And this is the process of it?" Aizen commented with an intrigued look.

Mòrag also had a serious look, "So in other words, you're siphoning away a portion of the Titan's energy."

"Indeed," Eulogimenos said, "Our cold climate and poor harvests are an unfortunate side effect of this process."

"I think I'm beginning to understand," Dromarch said.

"As am I." Dagas added in with a small frown.

"Core Chips are vital to every nation's military and energy policies. And the Praetorium desired this power." Eulogimenos' explanation caused Weiss' hands to clench into fists in anger.

"So…by controlling this…the Praetorium is basically controlling the nation's military and energy development themselves?" the former heiress said in anger.

"That is an apt way of putting it," Eulogimenos said, "Which was also most likely why Indol saw the crisis of Alrest at the time as a precious chance to expand their sphere of influence."

"And so they muscled in," Nia commented.

"As a result of this, Tantal fell into chronic energy shortage," Eulogimenos then explained, "And then…Well you saw for yourselves."

"A cold nation that has failing crops," Oscar summarized the effects.

"Which is why the people live in slums," Qrow added in with a deep frown.

"But…couldn't you go somewhere warmer?" Nora asked almost accusingly, "This thing can move where ever you want, right?"

"They were afraid of other nations," Mòrag butted in, "Too afraid that the truth about the legends they spun about Addam might come to light."

"That would explain their isolationism," Dromarch commented.

"Indeed." Eulogimenos confirmed, "That was five centuries ago. And now the Aegis has awakened and the Praetorium is demanding we hand over the Omega Fetter. They are threatening to expose our secret if we do not acquiesce."

"Indol are…threatening you?" Rex said in surprise.

"I get it now." Zeke piped up. "That was what was in the letter."

"No wonder he tore it up so angrily," Electra added in.

"Enough was enough." Eulogimenos said with his hands clenched into fists, "I couldn't stand by and watch my people suffer any longer. And I knew that there was a chance that the Praetorium would use the Aegis against us. But if I could neutralize her power…then perhaps we could stand a chance of opposing them."

"So that's why you tried to destroy Pyra," Ruby said with a frown.

"Yes…and perhaps by saving my people from poverty, I could absolve my forefather's sins."

"You never thought of using the power of the Aegis for yourself?" Nia asked.

"Wielding the power of the Aegis is beyond my means," Eulogimenos said, "I am under no illusion. However, does the same apply to you?" At the last part, Eulogimenos looked to Rex.

"Huh?"

"I felt something." Eulogimenos then said, "When I looked into your eyes, I knew. Perhaps you are the one whom we can entrust the Aegis' power."

"Father?" Zeke sounded out.

Everyone else looked curious too.

Eulogimenos then looked slightly sad, "In the end, it seems that I was only able to make things worse. I can blame nothing but my own judgement." Then the King reached within his robes and took out an ornate book, "This tome records the deeds of the hero Addam. According to this, he saved the world from destruction using the white sword. And then disappeared, along with the red sword."

"White and red…Those must mean Mythra's and Pyra's swords," Rex surmized.

"Whoever wrote this, must have had a personal connection to Addam. And most curiously, after Addam disappeared, the author of this book went looking for something."

"What was he looking for?" Blake asked, now getting very curious.

"The third Aegis sword." Eulogimenos said, earning surprised looks from everyone.

"There's a third one?" Rex was the first to ask.

"Apparently, this sword was as transparent as diamond, and gave off a clear, brilliant light. But Addam went his whole life without using this sword. In fact, he could not use it." Eulogimenos explain.

"Couldn't?" Yang asked, perking up a little.

"What do you mean he couldn't?" Qrow asked this time with a suspicious look.

"The sword was simply too powerful," Eulogimenos replied, "Even he, the legendary hero, could not contain the power it commanded. And thus, fearing its power, he sealed it away somewhere. The author therefore surmised, that this sword alone was the one true sword of the Aegis." Rex let out a gasp as the ramification of this was beginning to dawn on him. "Now, Rex. You were defeated by Jin. Doubtless that man is a powerful warrior. But even so, can this be right? Can the Aegis herself truly be outmatched by a single opposing Blade? Would it not make more sense to presume that you lost because you have yet to unlock the true power of the Aegis."

"…You mean…I'm the one who's been holding them back?" Rex asked, now looking guilty. As Rex looked lost in thought, everyone was looking at him expectantly. "Your Majesty. Where is the third sword?" Rex then asked with a resolved look. "We have to…we have to find it somehow. We have to find that sword and rescue Pyra and Mythra."

Everyone smiled at Rex now gaining new hope, but this also made them shift an expectant look towards the king now.

"Regrettably, the book does not specify the sword's location." Eulogimenos broke the bad news, "But…" Everyone perked up at hearing this, "…reading between the lines, it seems that the author of this book suspected the sword to be sealed somewhere in Leftheria."

"Leftheria." Rex let out in surprise.

At that moment, Azurda came out of Rex's helmet, "Are you ready?"

"Huh?" Rex said with a confused look.

"Are you ready for what it takes to be their true Driver?" Azurda asked Rex, fluttering in front of the boy's face.

"Gramps?" Rex asked in confusion.

"Well? Are you Rex?" the small Titan said, ignoring Rex's question.

"Yes! Of course." Rex said loudly.

"Then come with me. We are going to Fonsett." Azurda then said.

"Wait. You know where the third sword is?" Ruby asked in surprise.

"Not exactly, but I can show the way," Azurda replied

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Ruby said happily.

"Yeah!" Rex joined in.

"Not yet." Eulogimenos said, earning everyone's attention again, "There is still something I need to discuss with the Drivers of Dragunov and Herald."

"What do you want?" Yang was the first to ask.

"If you don't mind, I would wish to speak with you two about this privately." the king said as he walked down the steps, "I believe there is something you alone should know."

Yang looked at the king in suspicion.

"Is Yang in trouble?" Ruby asked unsurely.

The king quirked an eyebrow at the question, "No. I simply wish to tell her what happened with Dragunov in as much detail as possible. Whether she shares this with you is up to her."

"What about me?" Oscar then asked.

"For you, it's about Herald." Eulogimenos said.

The mech riding Blade looked surprised to hear that.

"…Let's go then," Yang said with a determined look.

"Yang?" Blake and Ruby sounded out.

"It's okay. I'll see you guys in a moment." Yang said with a reassuring smile before moving to Oscar and grabbing his hand, "Let's go Oscar."

"Hey." Oscar called out with an embarrassed look. With Herald floating behind.

"Come with me then." Eulogimenos said before moving to one of the hallways.

"…I wonder what he has to say about Dragunov?" Ruby muttered in worry.

"Hopefully something that can help." Weiss said with a frown before looking to the exit, "Speaking of which, shouldn't Talos have gotten Jaune here by now?"

Out in a balcony, Eulogimenos, Yang, Oscar and Herald had stopped.

"…Do you know about the Tale of the Sun Dragon?" Eulogimenos then asked.

"No." Yang replied with a quirked eyebrow.

"It's an old fairy tale about a dragon that had scales that shined like the sun. Hence it was named, Sun Dragon. According to the fairy tale, the dragon slept within a stone until a great evil surfaced. At that time, the Sun Dragon awoke from within the stone and scorched the evil threat with its flames and white claws. And all that dared to even touch it, would burn. Once the evil was vanquished, the dragon returned to sleep within the stone." Eulogimenos gave the summary of the tale.

"Stone…Dragunov's stone scales," Yang said with a look of realization.

"Indeed. 500 years ago, Addam the hero saved the world from destruction. However, 1000 years before that, Torna was a conquering nation." Eulogimenos said, earning a surprised look from Oscar and Yang. "There were two things that allowed Torna to dominate the world for all those centuries. The first was the Titan of Torna itself. Using its great destructive power, the Tornans were able to destroy opposing Titans. The second one, was the power of the Sun Dragon."

"What…But…the story said that the Sun Dragon only awakens when a great evil is on the loose." Yang pointed out.

"…Indeed, but from the surviving records, it can be assumed that this part was simply fabricated so that the connection between Dragunov and the Sun Dragon would be forgotten."

"Forgotten?" Yang asked now curious.

"Miss Xiao Long, when you awakened Dragunov, did he attack you?" Eulogimenos then asked.

"…Yeah, he thought I wasn't worthy of his power," Yang said, now finding his first impression of her more hurtful thanks to recent events.

"The surviving records indicate that he wasn't always like that."

This news made both Yang and Oscar look surprised.

"He…wasn't?" Yang found that hard to believe.

"It was indicated that Dragunov was used to reach his true power as the Sun Dragon in the middle of enemy towns. And with his destructive power, regenerative abilities and endless rage, nothing could stop him. Once the enemy town was destroyed, the Driver was executed to make him revert." Eulogimenos explained, "But one of the records indicated, that Dragunov attacked his prospective Drivers wanting to see if they were worthy of his power. And it is implied that this was a new development with him."

"So…why did he change like that?" Oscar then asked.

"That is not known," Eulogimenos admitted, "Or if it was, those records were lost along with Torna in the Aegis War. However, it was also implied that this was shortly before the Tornan Titan's power was sealed away. So perhaps they believed that Dragunov's change was a divine punishment for abusing his power."

"So…Dragunov changed into testing those who awakened him as a response to his power being abused," Yang muttered before having a hard look, "What does that have to do with what happened with me?"

"I heard how your battle against Jin went, you desired power to protect your friends, did you not?" Eulogimenos answered.

"Well…yeah, I guess." Yang said, "But I couldn't control it. And I almost killed my baby sister because of it." At the last part, Yang hugged herself.

The king gave the blonde a sympathetic look, "That is not what Pandoria told me."

"Hm?"

"According to Pandoria's recount, you stopped attacking your companions on your own. Doesn't that mean that you gained control?"

"…Not soon enough," Yang muttered, the nightmare where she had Ruby by the throat invading her mind.

"Perhaps, but the fact that you regained control at all must mean that you have the potential of controlling the Sun Dragon's power." the king then said.

"I wish I could believe that, but…I'm not sure I'm strong enough." Yang said, moisture gathering into her eyes.

"And yet, here you are. Having been accepted to be Dragunov's Driver."

"I'm not sure about that anymore," Yang then said with her eyes bleeding to red as she remembered all the times Dragunov implied that he would stay with her, "When I woke up, he had left, even after all those times he said he wouldn't. He abandoned me!"

"Is that a fact? Or is that what you assume?" Eulogimenos then asked, earning Yang's angry look, "You do not have to tell me if you do not want to, but I ask you to consider if what you think is what he thinks."

Now Yang looked lost. "I just…don't know what to believe anymore." Yang said with a small sniffle.

"And I cannot tell you what to believe, but you need to understand something, a flame can grant life just as easily as it can take it."

"Huh?" Yang muttered in confusion. But then she started thinking, Dragunov is strong, able to reduce a horde of enemies into ashes. But he can also provide warmth, as proven when she fell asleep in his arms. "I…I think I get it. Thank you, your highness."

"I'm glad to be of assistance, after my previous mistakes," the king said with a small smile. Then the king turned towards Oscar, "As for you, young man. Do you know about the place where you found Herald?"

"Well…not really," Oscar admitted.

"It was in…Theospiti Temple, right?" Yang asked Oscar.

"I think that's what Blake called it, yeah." Oscar said while scratching the back of his head.

"Zeke mentioned that the place was ruined when a Blade went on a rampage there," Yang said, remembering the tale.

"Correct. The Blade's power was so great that the Driver couldn't control it. The situation was only resolved when the Driver took their own life. And as a warning, the Blade's Core Crystal was sealed within the Temple Ruins themselves." Eulogimenos explained with his arms crossed.

"Sealed within the ruins?" Oscar muttered before it dawned to him, "You don't mean…?"

"Your assumption is correct. That Blade was Herald." Eulogimenos said as he looked to the mech riding Blade.

"…I have no memory of this incident, but I believe it to be true," Herald said, "Sometimes…I can feel something inside of me. A kind of…limitless power dwelling within." Herald then lowered herself to the ground. "Your Majesty, you may punish me any way you see fit. Even if it means breaking my Core Crystal into thousand pieces and scattering them into the Cloud Sea."

"What?" Yang and Oscar questioned in unison.

"But…you're not responsible for that anymore, right?" Oscar asked in worry.

"I have no memory of this incident, but I have no reason to doubt it's true. Besides, there is no guarantee that I won't go on a rampage again." Herald said with a sad look.

"Then I'll keep you in check." Oscar said with a determined look.

"You…will?" Herald could hardly believe what she was hearing.

"I may be new as a Driver, but I'll do everything I can to keep your power in check." Oscar said, looking straight into Herald's eyes.

"I…I…"

Eulogimenos chuckled, "It would seem that a good Driver has awakened Herald. Although I would have preferred it to be Zeke, but with a spirit like that I believe you might have what it takes to control Herald's power."

"Thank you, your majesty," Oscar said with a bow.

"But…I need to atone somehow," Herald then said unsurely.

"You can do that by doing good things with me," Oscar said with a smile, earning a surprised look from Herald.

"…Thank you, Oscar." Herald thanked with a smile, "I will try."

"Then it's settled," Eulogimenos said, "With Herald on your side, you should have more help on your journey. Just remember to not be chained by your past. Just be your Driver's strength." The last part was of course directed to Herald.

As Eulogimenos said that, Yang looked away in thought, "Chained by past, huh?"

"Now, I believe your companions are waiting for you, but…could you tell Zeke that I wish to speak with him one more time?"

"Sure thing," Yang said as she made her choice. She would need help though.

As Yang, Oscar and Herald got outside, the rest of the gang had finished filling in Jaune who had come back with Joana and Talos. Apparently, the Arc Driver had also apologized to Rex who said it was okay.

Then, Zeke went to hear what his father had to say and it was confirmed that they would go to Fonsett Village.

"There's something we need to do before that," Yang said with an apprehensive look.

"What is it?" Ruby asked her sister.

"…Did Dragunov say where he might have gone?" Yang asked hesitantly.

Everyone looked surprised to hear that. However, Blake decided to answer, "Nox believes he might be back in Genbu's head."

"Okay. Guys, I'm gonna need your help with this." Yang said as she eyed everyone.

"Yang, what are you planning?" Qrow asked with a suspicious look.

The blonde took a deep breath, "…I want my Blade back."


Inside Monoceros, in the room that held the block of ice, two Blade Bots were holding unconcious Pyra. With Akhos and Malos watching over her.

"You really can't judge a book by its cover," Akhos commented, "Who would've thought that such a sweet-looking girl would threaten to destroy herself? Didn't she know that the boy would die too?"

"Oh, she knew exactly what she was doing," Malos said, earning a curious look from Akhos.

"So the whole thing was a bluff after all?"

"No, not at all. The reason she gave half her Core Crystal to the boy was to replace his heart after Jin put paid to it." Malos explained, "An Aegis core, records blueprints for all life. She took advantage of that."

"Incredible. I didn't think such a thing was possible. Aegises truly are a breed apart." Akhos couldn't help being impressed.

"Cores are constantly accumulating data about the outside world. The fact that their injuries are mirrored is a result of their twin Cores exchanging information." Malos explained before smirking, "If you want to be poetic about it, you could say their very lives are intertwined. But there's nothing to stop her from severing that link."

"What do you mean?" Akhos asked.

"Before issuing the kill command to the Artifice, she would've transferred her remaining core to the boy. Letting him live on, heart complete. And an Aegis can survive for a short time without their Core Crystal." the Dark Aegis explained with a wistful look, "Don't ask me why. It's just how we were made."

Akhos looked a little confused for the moment before he realized something, "Ahh so that's the reason Jin agreed to her terms."

"He couldn't care less about the boy," Malos said as he looked to the helpless Aegis, "But he wasn't going to lose this one. Simple as that."

Akhos then looked a little down, "…Malos, you faced Dragunov in his Sun Dragon form before, right?"

"Yes. Back when I was at full power, why?" Malos crossed his arms as he asked that.

"How exactly did you beat him?" Akhos asked, "Did you use one of the Artifices you commanded?"

Malos chuckled at that, "Nah, all I had to do was erase Thauron from existence. And when I did that, Dragunov reverted." Malos then closed his eyes as he recalled the incident. He had almost completely forgotten it until Jin asked him about the fire Blade. And seeing Dragunov's Sun Dragon form again jogged some lost memories he could've used to warn Jin before hand.

Thauron had managed to wound him again with the Sun Dragon's weapons and therefore heal another injury Malos had inflicted upon the Sun Dragon's previous Driver. It was really annoying the dark Aegis. Then he was surrounded by the flames that Dragunov's twin heads breathed upon him. But with a burst of dark power, he was able to extinguish them. The fight really dragged on with Dragunov's destructive healing power and Malos avoiding any truly serious damage. Until, Thauron charged him again, consumed by the Sun Dragon's rage, Malos unleashed all of his power upon the enraged man who was hell bent on skewering him on Dragunov's talons. Unfortunately, this backfired, because the moment he entered Malos' field, Thauron's body disintegrated. When Malos cancelled his attack, he saw Dragunov rushing him in an effort to get a hit. Only for the Sun Dragon's body to glow blue as he reverted to an inactive Core Crystal which clattered to the floor.

"But I will admit, he and his previous Driver were very annoying." the dark Aegis said with a chuckle at the memory.

"So…once you have recovered, he shouldn't be too much of a problem?" Akhos asked as he adjusted his glasses.

"You're assuming any of them are alive right now," Malos said jokingly before looking slightly more serious, "Then again, the kid at the very least is still alive, otherwise she wouldn't be standing here before us."

In Salem's room, she was allowed a visit from Watts. "Did you manage to do anything with their systems?"

"Unfortunately, ma'am, their technology isn't compatible with that of Remnant. I couldn't hook my scroll into their system, much less try to upload a virus of any kind." Watts explained with a small sigh.

"That is unfortunate," Salem agreed, "Could you do it if you learned how their systems work?"

"I could if I had some time to study their systems, but I doubt they would give me any." Watts explained.

"Hmm…How unfortunate, but we don't necessarily need to," Salem said with a small smile, "How would you say that Alrest technology fares in comparison to Remnant technology?"

"Well, I only have this ship as a reference as of now, but I would say…that Remnant has superior technology," Watts said simply.

"Is that a fact, or are you perhaps slightly biased?"

"I assure you ma'am, this ship is good, but Atlesian airships are much more advanced than this," Watts said, "Although, I do think this ship is very good for its purpose. I still think that this world is fairly uncivilized compared to Remnant."

"Doctor Watts, need I remind you that we have yet to actually see any of the nations of this world. It would do you well not to underestimate them, like Hazel, Emerald and Mercury underestimated the Alrestians," Salem said in a warning tone.

"Apologies, ma'am. I will keep that in mind," Watts said, resisting a stutter.

"Good, now leave." Salem then dismissed the doctor who left to be escorted by Patroka who was outside. Then the wicked witch placed a finger on her chin, "I wonder how Malos plans to use the Aegis. And the Omega Fetter." The fact that Watts couldn't make heads or tails out of the cube with a single glance did lower the credit of the doctor's opinion of this world in Salem's eyes.


AN: Here we go. Mostly a chapter to set up the gang's next two missions. In the order of the happenings, Yang wants to get Dragunov back. And the hunt for the third Aegis sword.

Malos remembered fully the time he faced Dragunov's Sun Dragon form.

And Watts is dissing Alrest's technology.